Science & technology | Sickies called

An algorithm can diagnose a cold from changes in someone’s voice

Malingerers, watch out

USA. New York City. Man making a phone call in the evening. 1976.
Bad news, I’m afraid...Image: Magnum

Faking sickness is about to get harder. Sneaking a day off work by nervously coughing down the phone to your boss might no longer cut the mustard—very soon your company might be able to tell whether or not your symptoms are real, just from the sound of your voice.

This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Sickies called”

From the April 8th 2023 edition

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